Decorating for the holidays doesn't have to be a stressful, all-or-nothing affair. If the thought of packing away every single item just to replace it with Christmas-themed gear gives you a headache, you’re not alone! We spoke with expert decorators Mary Carol Garrity, warmly known for the founder of Nell Hills and Diebolt's and her business partner, Rebecca to get their best tips on creating a beautiful, warm, and festive home without the madness. The secret? Tuck, don't trade.
"People feel like they have to take everything off their mantel and do it all Christmas," Mary Carol notes, describing the common, but overwhelming approach to holiday decorating. She and Rebecca prefer a much simpler, less labor-intensive method.
Instead of stripping the space bare, they suggest working with what you already have. "I liked everything I had on it, and we mainly added greens," Mary Carol shared, referring to their approach to her mantel. "By simply tucking in fresh or artificial greenery, a ribbon, or some subtle pinecones around existing items, like pictures or candles, you instantly elevate the look and bring in the festive feel." This "tuck, don't trade" method saves time and energy, making the subsequent cleanup a breeze. "It's a lot less work up front," Mary Carol promises, "and it's going to be a lot less to take it down but still looks beautiful and festive."
When it comes to the tree, Mary Carol admits she’s not the biggest fan of the traditional, huge setup. "I like doing anything but a Christmas tree," she laughs.
Her solution? Don't stress over a massive centerpiece. By using a smaller, four-foot tree and placing it in a decorative urn, she achieves a grand effect that defies its actual size. "From the outside of the house, it looks like a 10-foot Christmas tree," she said. To give any tree a little more life, Rebecca suggests adding extra greenery picks and real pinecones at the base to fill in gaps and hide the cords.
The holiday table should be a welcoming space for gathering, not a source of anxiety. The biggest lesson from these experts is that decorating the table should be about connection, not perfection.
"It's not so much about what you serve or how much you decorate your table, it's getting people together," Rebecca noted. "If decorating will stress you out, keep it simple."
Simple tricks from the pair include:
Layering China: Don't be afraid to mix and match. "Bring in a piece of your grandmother's china that you'd never use, and let us show you how to mix it with to give it a whole different vibe," Mary Carol suggests. Pair a formal plate with an everyday pattern to make it feel more current.
Easy Linens: Choose a 60-inch square tablecloth. They're easy to clean, they're easy to iron, and easy to store, and they show a little bit of your table underneath, giving it a little character.
Finishing Touches: Use the ends of your table for serving stations, like a dedicated coffee and dessert area. This frees up the main seating area and makes entertaining seamless. For a special touch, tucking in a few roses, an orange slice, and cranberries into a small vase adds color and warmth.
"Use what you have," is Rebecca’s simple but powerful advice. The goal is to create a festive atmosphere that is cozy, elegant, and fun, and not exhausting.